QE 
90 
S5C3 


V.  L.  VANDCRHOOF 
STANFORD  UNIVERSITY 


/•  €?•    «X/^/f  r^ 


SKSSION  OK  1853. 


PROF.  JOHN  B.  TRASK'S  REPORT 


ON  THK 


GEOLOGY 


OF   THE 


SIERRA  NEVADA,   OR  CALIFORNIA  RANGE. 


[GEORGE  KF.RR,  STATE  PRINTER, 


\ 


->  ^  * 

\ 


R  EPORT, 


MR.  PRESIDENT  : 

The  Committee,  to  whom  was  referred  the  resolutions  calling  on  Mr. 
Trask  for  such  information  as  he  may  possess  relative  to  the  Geology  of  this 
State,  beg  leave  to  Report — 

That  they  have  obtained  a  valuable  document,  which  treats  of  the  Geolo- 
gical, and  Mineralogical  structure  and  character  of  some  of  the  most  inte- 
resting portions  of  our  country. 

The  document,  which  we  here  present,  is  well  worthy  the  consideration, 
not  only  of  every  member  of  this  Legislature,  but  our  citizens  generally. 

The  General  Government  has  been  very  dilatory  in  reference  to  such  sur- 
veys and  examinations  as  our  State  not  only  deserves,  but  is  entitled  to. 

And  in  obtaining  the  information  which  is  now  placed  in  the  hands  of  this 
Senate,  we  hope  that  the  subject  will  attract  the  attention  of  those  most 
interested  in  the  development  of  the  resources  of  this  country. 

We,  therefore,  recommend  that  2000  copies  of  the  report  be  printed,  and 
request  the  Governor  to  forward  several  copies  of  the  report  and  reso^u- 
tions  to  the  Secretary  of  the  Interior  of  the  United  States,  hoping  that  this 
method  will  draw  the  attention  of  the  Honorable  Secretary  to  the  subject  of 
a  Geological  and  Mineralogical  Survey  of  this  State. 

J.  R.  SNYDER, 

Chairman  of  Committee. 
JOS.  WALKUP, 
J.  H.  WADE. 

Whereas,  Any  information  connected  with  the  Geology  of  this  State,  is  of 
great  importance  not  only  to  the  miner,  but  to  the  agriculturalist*  and  as  an 


opportunity  is  now  offered  through  Dr.  Trask,  (a  gentleman  who  has  made 
a  thorough  examination  of  the  mineral  districts,)  by  which  we  may  add  to 
the  very  limited  stock  of  knowledge  upon  that  subject ;  therefore. 

Resolved,  That  a  Select  Committee  of  five  be  appointed  to  obtain  from 
Dr.  Trask  such  information  as  he  may  possess  relative  to  the  subject,  which 
if  deemed  of  sufficient  importance,  will  bo  reported  to  the  Senate  on  the 
sixth  day  of  April  next. 


ARY 

UNIVERSITY  OF  CALIFORNI 
SAMTA  BARBARA 


GEOLOGICAL  REPORT. 


To  the  Honorable  J.  R.  Snyder,  Chairman 

of  the  Committee  on  the  Geology  of  the  State : 

SIR: 

In  compliance  with  the  resolution  of  the  Senate  of  the  State  of  California, 
passed  March  26th,  1853,  calling  upon  me  for  such  information  in  relation 
to  the  Geology  of  the  State,  as  I  may  possess,  I  have  the  honor  to  transmit 
herewith  the  following  report  on  the  Geology,  and  productive  resources  of 
the  State,  that  have  fallen  within  the  line  of  my  reconoisances,  which  line  is 
embraced  within  the  36th  and  42d  degrees  of  north  latitude. 

JOHN  B.  TRASK. 


F>  K  E  F  ACE. 


THE  object  of  this  report  is  to  present,  in  a  concise  manner,  a  sketch  of 
the  Geological  Structure,  Industrial  and  Economic  Resources  of  the  State, 
included  in  the  above  section  named,  and  which  comprises  the  Mineral  Dis- 
tricts proper,  as  understood  at  the  present  time,  and  includes  portions  of  the 
eastern  valleys  of  the  Sacramento  and  San  Joaquin,  and  to  the  coast  line 
within  the  41st  and  42d  degrees  of  north  latitude. 

Personal  observations  were  made  during  the  autumn  and  winter  of  '50 
and  '51,  and  also  of  '52,  and  the  entire  line  of  travel  was  conducted  for 
the  most  part  on  foot,  for  the  better  purpose  of  more  critical  examination. 

Persons  unfamiliar  with  the  modifying  circumstances  affecting  the  gene- 
ral characters  and  positions  of  rocks,  are  apt  to  be  often  deceived  in  their 
perceptions  respecting  them,  consequently,  but  little  assistance  can  generally 
be  obtained  by  inquiry  respecting  the  peculiarities  that  may  be  present  in 
the  various  formalions. 

This  circumstance  is  sufficient  to  show  the  necessity  of  personal  examina- 
tion of  Districts,  in  order  to  deduct  legitimate  and  correct  conclusions  re- 
specting them  ;  and  this  course  was  adopted  during  the  examinations  that 
were  made  in  nearly  every  case.  In  the  remarks  that  follow  in  this  report, 
I  shall  confine  myself  for  the  most  part,  strictly  to  the  Geology  of  the  Dis- 
trict included,  alluding  to  its  Geognosy  so  far  only  as  will  be  necessarry  for 
an  elucidation  of  the  subject  that  may  be  under  consideration. 

Researches  on  the  eastern  slope  of  the  Rocky  Mountain  chain  will  prove 
of  little  avail  in  this  State,  as  we  cannot  form  an  opinion  from  the  presenta- 
tions there  made  in  the  various  and  similar  formations  of  that  chain,  and 
more  especially,  when  we  find  that  these  similar  formations  are  commingled, 
disturbed,  and  changed,  by  rocks  of  wjdely  different  character  and  compo- 
sition. 

The  necessity  then,  of  studying  closely  each  different  group,  will  become 
apparent,  and  at  the  same  time  more  complex  and  difficult. 


GEOLOGY 


OF  THE 


SIERRA  NEVADA,  OR  CALIFORNIA  RANGE. 


THE  largest  portion  of  the  State  of  California,  is  comprised  between  the 
summits  of  two  distinct  ranges  of  Mountains,  denominated  the  Sierra  Ne- 
vada, or  California  Range  of  the  Cascades,*  and  the  Coast  Range  on  the 
west,  the  more  central  portion  is  an  extensive  valley  through  which  flows 
the  two  principal  rivers  of  the  country,  the  Sacramento  and  San  Joaquin. 

The  equivalents  of  the  California  Range  to  the  north,  are  the  Cascades 
extending  into  Oregon  ;  and  its  principal  lateral  spurs,  as  it  approximates 
the  parallel  of  42d  north  latitude,  is  found  in  the  JSiskiyou  Range,  which 
separates  from  the  Cascades  at  nearly  a  right  angle  near  the  line  of  42°  20', 
and  pursues  a  tortuous  course  to  within  some  eight  miles  of  the  coast,  in 
about  latitude  41°  40'  north,  at  which  point  it  becomes  completely  merged 
in  the  coast  line  of  mountains. 

This  spur  forms  the  northern  boundary  of  the  Klamath  river,  as  also  a 
large  portion  of  the  northern  boundary  of  the  State ;  and  which,  with  its 
lateral  spurs,  forms  an  interesting  and  important  feature  of  this  portion  of 
the  country. 

The  principal  latteral  spur  of  this  range  is  given  off  near  the  line  of  122° 
50'  west  longitude,  and  pursues  a  southwest  course  for  sixty  or  seventy 
miles,  and  unites  with  a  similar  spur  some  eight  or  ten  miles  south  of  Mt. 
Shasta,  which  has  its  intersection  with  the  main  Siskiyou  Mountains  in  lon- 
gitude near  128°  west ;  the  Klamath  river  cuts  these  two  spurs  near  both 
of  the  points  designated.  Within  the  triangular  space  formed  by  this  junc- 
tion, are  extensive  valleys,  as  the  Scott  and  Shasta  illustrate. 

The  Siskiyou  range  will  maintain  an  average  elevation  nearly  equivalent 

*  Sierra  Nevada  is  inappropriate,  according  to  Lieut.  Wilkes'  U.  S.  Ex.  Ex.,  as  it  blende 
the  principal  with  part  of  another. 

2 


10 

to  the  Cascade  range  for  a  large  portion  of  its  course,  and  an  elevation  su- 
perior by  at  least  one-third  to  the  Sierra  Nevada,  within  the  same  parallel. 
The  highest  portion  of  the  range  being  found  in  Mount  Shasta  and  Mount 
Read,  -within  fifty  miles  of  the  coast. 

These  mountains  partake,  in  a  great  measure,  of  the  general  character- 
istics of  the  Sierra,  but  in  some  points  they  vary  in  a  material  degree.  In 
this  particular,  they  become  the  more  interesting,  from  the  variability  of  the 
mineral  characteristics  which  they  present,  and  the  prospective  of  other 
sources  of  wealth  and  economy  which  no  part  of  the  western  flank  of  the 
Sierra  presents.  And  allusion  will  be  made  to  these  points  under  their  ap- 
propriate heads. 

Mr.  Tyson,  in  speaking  of  the  California  Range,  very  properly  remarks, 
that  "  in  Geological  structure  the  Sierra  Nevada  resembles  the  Andes," 
and  the  analogy  also  holds  good  in  being  like  the  Andes,  one  great  ridge, 
instead  of  a  chain  of  ridges,  such  as  constitute  the  Appalachian  Range,  and 
it  is  to  this  chain  on  the  Pacific  that  we  can  look  with  anyjhope  of  success  to 
the  development  of  that  article  of  great  economic  value,  so  necessary  to  the 
convenience  and  necessities  of  the  growing  wants  of  our  State — mineral  coal. 
The  altitude  of  the  Sierra  has  been  variously  estimated,  but  its  average 
height  is  probably  within  six  thousand  feet ;  while  the  coast  range  proper 
will  not  attain  an  altitude  that  will  much  exceed  three  thousand  feet  through- 
out its  extent. 

The  formations  which  compose,  for  the  most  part,  the  western  flank  of  the 
Sierra,  are  hypogene  (volcanic)  and  metamorphic  (changed)  rocks ;  as 
these  make  up  the  greater  part  of  the  range,  it  must  not  be  inferred  (as 
has  been  done)  that,  from  their  similarity  of  composition,  that  their  upheaval 
was  simultaneous,  for  the  strongest  evidences  exist  that  it  was  far  otherwise. 
In  this,  as  in  all  other  volcanic  districts.,  there  was  undoubtedly  long 
periods  of  quiescence — or  a  state,  to  say  the  least,  that  was  comparatively 
quiet,  occupying  long  intervals  between  the  disturbing  forces  that  were  in- 
strumental in  developing  this  portion  of  the  continent.  The  time  that 
elapsed  during  the  successive  periods  of  elevation  which  have  occurred,  is 
beyond  our  utmost  conception,  and  we  arrive  at  the  fact  only  through  the 
medium  of  analogy. 

But  although  there  are  periods  in  our  geological  history  that  exceed  our 
utmost  comprehension,  still  there  are  some  evidences  that  disturbances  have 
occurred  at  a  comparatively  recent  date,  even  perhaps  during  the  historic 
period :  but  this  subject  will  again  be  alluded  to  in  the  sequel \ 

The  characteristics  of  the  volcanic  rocks  of  our  mountains  are  in  most 
cases  very  uniform,  but  where  discrepant  features  do  arise  in  the  hypogene 
or  metamorphic  rocks,  it  will  often  be  found  that  local  circumstances  have 
exerted  a  great  influence  often  in  those  modifications. 

In  illustration  of  this  we  will  cite  an  instance.  It  is  well  known  that 
talcose  rocks  form  a  large  proportion  of  the  aggregate  of  the  plutonic  series 
of  this  State.  They  are  found  in  close  proximity  with  the  primary  calca- 
reous formation  in  many  cases ;  in  other  instances,  miles  distant  from  the 
calcareous  rocks. 

_  It  is  a  well  known  fact  that  intrusive  dikes  of  trap,  in  passing  through 
limestone,  will  change  the  calcareous  formation  to  true  talcose  rocks  ;*  and 


11 

this  occurs  in  many  instances  within  this  State.  Hence,  we  see  that  a  lead 
of  limestone  may,  under  favorable  circumstances,  be  made  to  assume  the 
form  of  a  volcanic  rock,  of  which  the  talcose  series  is  a  member,  and,  aa 
here  shown,  is  also  metamorphic. 

This  fact  should  always  be  kept  in  view  in  forming  our  conclusion  in  rela- 
tion to  any  section  of  the  mineral  districts  that  may  be  under  consideration, 
'as  injury  and  pecuniary  loss  would  often  be  sustained  in  too  hasty  general- 
izations on  a  class  of  rocks  so  important  as  the  talcose  series  of  this  county, 
as  a  source  of  wealth. 

There  can  be  but  little  doubt  that  the  southern  section  of  the  country  was 
in  a  state  of  disturbance  long  after  the  more  northern  section  sunk  into  re- 
pose, and  that  for  many  ages  volcanic  fires  exerted  a  wide  and  powerful 
influence  throughout  that  district  long  after  its  emergence.  As  these  fires 
died  out,  a  long  period  of  repose  followed  during  which  the  land  became 
inhabited  by  mamalians  of  various  character  and  species,  some  of  which  were 
of  mammoth  size,  as  their  relics  at  the  present  day  attest. 

During  the  age  that  these  huge  quadrupeds  held  their  uninterrupted  sway 
throughout  the  land,  which  was  during  the  tertiary  epoch,  another  convul- 
sion which  fully  equaled  the  former,  occurred,  and  through  its  fiery  ravages 
swept  from  existence  the  entire  race  that  occupied  its  surface  and  inhumed 
their  remains  beneath  its  scalding  flood.  Ages  have  since  rolled  by,  and  it  was 
left  for  the  toiling  and  industrious  miner  in  his  daily  avocations  to  exhume  from 
the  bosom  of  the  earth  these  scattered  vestiges  of  the  wreck  of  former  ages. 

We  find  the  most  ample  evidence  of  this  state  of  things  after  passing  the 
Cosumnes  river  and  as  far  south  as  the  Tuolumne,  beyond  which  as  yet  no 
vestige  of  these  animals  have  been  found. 

From  all  the  attendant  circumstances  it  appears  that  during  the  period  of 
repose,  a  large  portion  of  the  southern  district  was  covered  by  water,  (proba- 
bly fresh,)  in  the  form  of  lakes,  and  that  these  animals  inhabited  their  bor- 
ders. Their  remains  are  found  in  the  diluvial  drift  at  the  depth  of  ten  to 
twenty  feet  below  the  surface,  and  this  is  covered  in  most  part  by  a  vol- 
canic tufa,  the  product  of  recent  volcanic  action. 

The  other  fossils  which  have  been  found  in  these  districts  are  such  only 
as  occur  among  primary  limestone  and  consist  of  algae,  (a  sea  weed  of  the 
lowest  order,)  which  leads  us  to  the  conclusion  that  the  rocks  which  now 
form  the  dry  land  of  the  interior  were  formerly  submerged  beneath  the  ocean, 
and  have  been  elevated  to  their  present  position  through  volcanic  agency 
exerted  through  long  and  successive  periods. 

The  district  of  country  between  the  Cosumnes  river  and  the  40th  degree 
of  north  latitude,  has  strong  evidence  of  having  been  the  first  that  emerged 
from  the  ocean,  but  though  the  primary  section,  it  presents  most  indubitable 
traces  of  subsequent  rupture  ;  it  probably  occurred  during  those  periods 
when  the  south  was  in  a  state  of  extreme  activity,  and  must  have  played  an 
important  part  in  modifying  the  contour  of  the  country. 

These  subsequent  changes  have  undoubtedly  been  much  less  violent  than 
they  otherwise  would  have  been  from  the  opening  of  two  volcanic  vents  in 
the  northern  section  near  the  head  waters  of  Feather  river,  and  in  the  sum- 
mit proper  west  of  Noble's  pass.  One  of  these  was  in  action  January,  1850, 
and  discharged  a  current  of  lava  which  had  not  cooled  in  1852.* 

*  Peon  also  by  D  r.  Wozeneraft. 


12 

The  evidence  of  subsequent  disturbance  was  proved  beyond  a  doubt, 
by  the  examination  of  many  of  our  quart/  veins.  The  occurrence  of 
what  is  termed  the  sliekensides  in  many  of  these  veins,  affords  us  the 
data  on  which  to  found  such  a  conclusion. 

The  polished  surfaces  of  these  veins  for  scores  of  feet  in  extent,  not 
only  indicate  the  fact  of  this  disturbance,  but  the  striated  surfaces  point 
most  indubitably  to  its  course  and  direction.  These  stria  and  slickensides 
may  be  seen  at  Union  Town,  El  Dorado  county,  in  the  M  arthenus  mine, 
to  great  advantage ;  also  at  Washington  and  Georgia  mines.  Quartzburg, 
Mariposa  county. 

The  district  of  country  lying  north  of  the  40th  degree  of  north  latitude, 
much  resembles  in  some  particulars  portions  of  the  south  ;  but  it  presents 
withal  strong  evidences  of  greater  antiquity  than  the  southern,  in  many 
of  its  parts ;  and  portions  of  it  were  probably  contemporaneous  with  the 
district  south  of  forty  degrees,  although  there  is  no  probability  that  all  of 
that  section  can  claim  coritemporaneous'origin,  for  if  it  did,  its  formations 
should  in  some  degree  correspond ;  whereas  on  examination,  we  find  dis- 
crepancies that  would  seem  to  warrant  us  in  refeiring  them  to  another 
period. 

A  convenient  way,  then,  would  be  the  arrangement  of  the  mineral 
district  into  three  classifications,  making  in  these  such  subdivisions  as 
may  be  necessary,  and  under  this  plan  they  would  present  themselves  in 
the  following  order : 

First — Primary  or  central  districts,  included  between  latitude  3S°  30' 
and  40°  north. 

Second — The  northern  district,  included  between  40°  and  42°  north. 

Third — The  southern  district,  included  between  38°  30'  and  36°  north 
latitude. 

I  feel  fully  confident  that  whenever  this  State  shall  be  authontively 
examined,  that  a  similar  arrangement  will  be  made,  both  for  convenience 
and  elucidation. 

Under  this  arrangement,  then,  I  shall  speak  of  the  various  districts  in 
the  order  in  which  they  occur. 


FIRST  PRIMARY  DISTRICT. 

This  name  may  be  applied  to  this  section  with  strict  propriety ;  first, 
from  the  character  of  its  rocks,  and  secondly  from  their  distribution  and 
association. 

The  rocks  that  compose  this  district  are  for  the  most  part  primitive,  in 
a  geological  sense,  being  composed  of  granite,  porphyry,  trap,  and  other 
allied  rocks,  among  which  the  serpentines  form  no  unimportant  part. 

The  rook  that  first  emerged  was  undoubtedly  the  granite,  which  was 
ejected  from  beneath  and  protuded  through  the  slate,  and  in  many  in- 
stances presents  all  the  appearances  of  having  flowed  over  the  sedemcn- 
tary  formations;  in  other  cases  it  is  protruded  as  a  single  dike,  often  of 
miles  extent,  with  lateral  veins  extending  into  the  adjoining  rocks. 

There  is  every  reason  for  this  supposition  being  correct,  and  but  one 
illustration  will  be  necessary  in  elucidating  it.  It  is  found  on  examina- 
tion that  the  older  granite,  which  forms  by  far  the  largest  part  of  this 


13 

formation,  is  cut  through  and  disturbed  by  almost  every  other  intrusive 
rock,  while  of  itself  it  cuts  through  none,  except  the  older  argilaceous 
slates,  which  are  of  aqueous  origin. 

It  must  not  be  understood  by  this,  that  all  the  granites  of  the  State  are 
of  this  class,  for  it  is  far  otherwise,  as  we  have  full  three  distinct  series 
of  rock  in  this  country,  with  corresponding  ages ;  and  each  of  the  other 
two  have  been  instrumental  in  a  great  degree,  in  causing  the  disturbances 
observable  in  the  primary  formations. 

Next  to  the  granite,  in  the  primary  district,  the  trapean  rocks  form  an 
important  feature  in  the  character  of  the  country,  and  occupy  a  much 
larger  area. 

They  are  composed  principally  of  the  greenstone,  trachytes,  basalt, 
and  porphyries,  and  it  is  to  the  intrusion  of  this- group,  that  the  uneven 
and  rough  features  of  the  country  are  attributable  in  a  great  measure,  and 
are  interesting  in  a  geological  point  of  view,  and  would  in  a  more  elaborate 
report,  demand  more  attention  than  our  present  limits  will  permit.  Allusion 
to  their  effect  on  other  rocks  will  be  made  under  the  head  of  mining. 

The  next  class  that  claims  our  attention  is  the  metamorphoric  (changed) 
rocks,  many  of  which  through  agency  of  volcanic  heat  have  become  true 
porphyries;  they  are  largely  dev  loped  on  the  banks  of  the  rivers  of  the 
country,  and  a  great  source  of  annoyance  to  miners  engaged  in  river 
mining,  as  they  are  extremely  tough  and  difficult  to  break. 

Closely  associated  with  these  are  occasionally  veius  of  the  original  clay 
slate,  from  which  these  porphyries  have  been  formed,  holding  different 
grades  of  induration,  passing  from  a  fissile  clay  slate  into  a  compact  rock, 
often  in  the  distance  of  a  few  yards. 

The  serpentine  rocks  are  the  next  in  order  of  the  volcanic  group ;  they 
are  generally  intrusive  rocks,  and  are  widely  distributed  throughout  the 
country,  and  many  of  them  present  distinct  lines  of  stratification.  They 
have  received  (Efferent  names  from  the  different  forms  they  assume  ;  some  of 
them  being  true  shales,  of  various  thickness,  consistency  and  composition. 
But  all  of  them,  in  whatever  form  they  may  be  found,  have  but  the  one 
origin,  (volcanic,)  though  they  may  receive  many  modifications  from  subse- 
quent causes. 

These  rocks,  when  found  in  the  form  of  slates  particularly,  are  entitled  to 
more  consideration  than  has  been  bestowed  upon  them  by  the  mining  com- 
munity, as  repositories  of  the  precious  metals. 

It  is  to  this  class  of  rocks,  that  we  are  in  a  great  measure  indebted  for 
those  valuable  deposits  of  gold  which  the  slate  contains,  as  well,  also,  as  the 
auriferous  quartz  veins  with  which  they  are  so  frequently  combined.  It 
was  on  these  rocks  that  one  of  the  greatest  geologists  (Mr.  Dana)  of  the 
age  based  his  opinion  on  the  probable  value  of  this  State  as  an  auriferous 
district  long  before  the  discovery  of  gold,  and  subsequent  time  has  demon- 
strated how  correct  and  just  were  his  opinions  ;  and  yet  public  opinion, 
even  at  this  time,  has  neglected  to  take  cognizance  of  this  class  of  rocks, 
so  far  only  as  accidental  circumstances  have  thrown  them  in  their  way.  I 
think  tlutf  no  hazard  would  be  incurred  by  expressing  the  opinion  that  this 
class  of  rocks  will  bo  found,  in  many  cases,  the  prolific  sources  of  wealth  in 
the  future,  equalled  only  by  the  auriferous  quartz,  and  excelled  by  none. 
This  class  of  rocks,  or  those  known  by  the  name  of  chlorite,  which  is  but  a 


14 

variety  of  this  group,  is  represented  in  Mariposa  County,  at  the  locality 
kimwii  as  lirar  Valley;  and  a  sufficient  illustration  of  its  value,  will  be 
found  in  the  excitement  that  prevailed  on  its  discovery.  Moccasin  Creek, 
four  miles  south  of  -Stevenson's  Bar,  Tuolumne  County,  and  river,  is  also 
another  point  at  which  they  may  be  studied  with  advantage. 

This  is  but  two  of  many  instances  in  which  the  auriferous  deposits  have 
been  developed  in  this  class  of  rocks ;  and  when  found,  it  is  as  much  an 
intcrgral  of  the  formation  containing  it,  as  the  thread  of  gold  that  permeates 
the  vein  of  quartz. 

In  addition  to  its  containing  gold,  as  an  integral  part,  when  unassociated 
with  the  veins  of  quartz,  it  frequently  becomes  the  retaining  medium  of  this 
metal  Avhen  in  contact  with  those  veins.  Hence  has  arisen  much  loss  to 
parties  who  have  engaged  in  that  later  branch  of  industrial  employment, 
from  the  neglect  of  attention  to  this  important  point :  but  we  shall  advert 
to  this  point  more  particularly  when  the  subject  of  Quartz  Mining  engages 
our  attention. 

The  sedimentary  rocks  of  this  district  are  of  three  kinds  :  1st — Argelitc 
Slates,  (clay  slate  ;)  2d — Conglomerates,  (pudding  stone  ;)  3d — Sand 
Stone  :  the  two  last  occupying  the  smallest  area. 

The  sandstone  formation  is  evidently  the  most  recent  of  this  group,  and  in 
some  parts  of  this  district  is  fossiliferous, — this  being  the  only  point  of  im- 
portance attached  to  it,  and  this  only  in  a  scientific  point  of  view,  as  a  mat- 
ter of  economy  or  practical  interest  it  will  not,  therefore,  claim  our  further 
attention. 

The  principal  localities  in  which  it  is  found  to  contain  imbedded  fossils, 
are  upon  the  Butte  and  Chico  Creeks,  and  near  Rich  and  Reeve's  Bars  on 
the  first  named  creek,  and  the  fossils  are  of  the  Miocene  period,  and  the  bed 
of  sand  stone  rests  on  a  metamorphosed  slate,  which  is  in  some  parts  por- 
phyritic. 

The  argelite  rocks  of  the  district,  will  command  more  of  our  attention  than 
either  of  the  other  members  of  this  group ;  first,  from  its  superiority  as  a 
member  of  the  group,  though  it  is  inferior  as  to  position.  The  degradation 
of  those  rocks,  form  an  important  feature  in  the  characteristics  of  the  valley 
bottoms,  and  a  sparsity  or  surplus  of  its  debris,  would,  as  a  consequence,  en- 
hance or  diminish  the  capabilities  of  the  soil  for  agriculture ;  hence  an  atten- 
tive examination  of  the  valley  sections  is  imperatively  demanded,  in  order  to 
form  a  correct  estimate  of  the  capabilities  of  the  soil  in  'the  great  branch  of 
national  wealth,  and  prosperity — agriculture. 

When  the  necessary  examinations  are  instituted  to  develop  this  desirable 
end,  we  shall  find  that  those  portions  of  the  valleys  that  are  for  six  months 
of  the  year  a  semi-desert,  and  unfit  for  the  habitation  of  man  or  beast,  can 
be  made,  by  the  use  of  proper  measures,  to  produce  the 'cereals  in  as  great 
abundance  and  profit  as  other  localities,  apparently,  more  favorably  situated. 
Under  the  head  of  agriculture,  this  part  of  our  subject  will  be  more  fully 
considered. 

The  distribution  of  this  series  from  the  foot  hills  to  near  the  summit  of  the 
range,  is  but  a  proof  of  the  influence  it  has,  and  still  exerts  in  modifying  the 
general  characteristics  of  the  country.  Its  universality  throughout  the  min- 
ing sections,  either  in  situ,  or  in  the  form  of  debris,  points  to  the  important 
part  it  has  played  by  the  retentive  principle  it  contains  in  preventing  the 


15 

wider  dispersion  of  the  golden  deposits  of  our  hills  and  rivers  ;  and  it  has 
been  suggested,  within  the  past  year,  that  a  large  portion  of  this  group  will, 
at  some  future  day,  be  mined  for  the  gold  they  contain,  mechanically,  as 
well  as  other  rocks  that  contain  this  metal  as  an  integral.  How  soon  this 
may  take  place,  it  would  be  improper  to  suppose  at  this  time,  but  the  pre- 
mises on  which  the  suggestion  is  based,  are  tenable. 

The  conglomerates  of  this  district  will  next  be  considered.  These  rocks 
toward  the  valley  appear  to  be  co-extensive  with  the  argelite,  and  from  their 
position,  it  is  inferred  that  their  formation  was  posterior  to  the  slates  ;  in  the 
more  mountainous  districts  they  appear  in  isolated  masses,  and  in  small 
patches,  rendering  their  study  less  certain.  In  the  lower  foot-hills,  in  many 
places,  the  group  in  situ  is  wanting,  and  in  its  place  low  rolling  gravelly 
hills  are  the  only  vestiges  that  mark  the  localities  it  formerly  occupied.  The 
causes  of  this  absence  in  the  group  is  found  in  the  outcrop  of  heavy  masses 
of  trapean  rock  near  the  borders  of  the  valley  in  these  sections. 

These  older  conglomerates  have  but  little  interest  connected  with  them, 
further  than  geological  position  is  concerned,  except  the  modifying  influence 
they  exert  through  their  debris  on  the  formation  of  the  valley  sections  ;  but 
there  is  a  belt  of  these  rocks  in  other  parts  of  the  country  that  will  be  enti- 
tled to  much  more  and  particular  consideration. 

Having  now  described  the  principal  rocks  of  the  primary  district,  we  will 
now  pass  to  the  consideration  of  the  rocks  of  the  northern  district.  To 
avoid  repetition,  in  our  subject,  in  relation  to  its  rocks,  we  will  now  state 
that  in  addition  to  those  noticed  in  the  primary,  the  northern  section  con- 
tains some  few  that  should  command  attention  in, an  economic  view,  so  far 
as  relates  more  particularly  to  their  prospective  value. 

The  first  of  these  rocks  that  will  claim  our  attention,  is  a  hard  silicious 
rock  known  by  the  common  name  of  mill-stone,  but  in  technical  language 
Buhr-stone.  This  rock  abounds  on  the  Pitt  river  in  large  quantities,  and 
also  on  to  the  north  of  Goose  Lake,  its  admirable  adaptation  to  milling  re- 
quires no  comment.  The  value  of  this  rock  cannot  be  too  highly  esteemed 
in  this  State,  where  the  prospective  is  so  flattering  of  its  becoming  a  grain 
growing  country,  equalled  by  few  on  the  Atlantic  slope.  The  heavy  ex- 
penses that  are  now  incurred,  and  the  future  wants  of  the  State  in  this  par- 
ticular will  be  obviated,  and  our  dependent  condition  on  foreign  import  de- 
stroyed. These  rocks  have,  as  yet,  attracted  little  notice,  but  the  rapidly 
increasing  wants  of  the  State  will  ere  long  bring  them  into  requisition.  In 
addition  to  the  buhr- stone  of  this  district,  this  section  of  the  country  con- 
tains some  few  traces  of  the  secondary  rocks,  a  suite  almost  entirely  wanting, 
with  this  exception,  in  this  country,  so  far  as  at  present  explored. 

The  existence  of  any  portion  of  this  suite  should  command  our  every  at- 
tention, and  any  measure  that  will  be  likely  to  develop  this  formation,  or 
any  part  of  it  within  the  limits  of  this  State,  should  meet  the  approbation 
and  support  of  the  community  at  large.  The  importance  attached  to  this 
group,  at  the  present  time  in  this  country,  is  found  in  the  fact,  that  it  is  to 
this  suite  that  we  must  look  for  a  home  supply  of  the  mineral  coals,  if  ever 
found  within  the  limits  of  our  State. 

As  these  rocks,  (in  form  of  secondary  conglomerate,)  have  exhibited 
themselves  in  the  northern  districts,  and  in  those  parts  of  the  section  most 
immediately  connected  with  the.coast  line  of  mountains,  it  is  to  be  hoped 


16 

that  judicious^explorations  in"*that  range  may  develop  its  existence,  either 
near  those  points  alluded  to,  or  in  other  and  more  distant  parts  of  the  range. 

From  the  structure  of  the  country,  it  is  to  be  doubted  -whether  any  other 
position  than  the  above  named,  presents  the  slightest  ground  for  hope  that 
this  necessary  material  of  comfort  and  economy  will  be  found  in  other  parts 
than  those  indicated ;  every  effort,  then,  compatible  with  prudence  should  be 
made  that  will[tend  to  elicit  information  on  this  important  topic. 

The  frequent  discovery  of  small  patches  of  the  mineral  coal  in  those  moun- 
tains, would  seem  to  lend  aid  to  the  suggestion  that  its  development  in  this 
range  may  be  looked  for  with  more  confidence  than  at  any  other  points,  and 
a  judiciously  conducted  examination  is  the  only  means  that  can  be  confidently 
looked  to  for  this  desirable  end. 

Aside  from  the  two  points  alluded  to,  the  northern  district  comports  itself 
in  the  major  part  of  its  formations  with  the  primary  district,  and  varies  from 
it  only  in  a  few  minor  particulars  noticed  in  the  sequel. 


SOUTHERN  DISTRICT. 

This  district,  according  to  our  arrangement,  is  included  within  the  thirty- 
sixth  parallel  and  thirty-eighth  degrees  thirty  minutes  north  latitude,  and 
includes  all  that  portion  of  the  country  denominated  the  Southern  Mines, 
as  well,  also,  as  its  valleys.  The  southern  district,  like  the  other  two,  con- 
tains many  rocks  in  common. 

In  addition  to  these,  there  are  also  other  formations,  which  differ  widely 
from  either  of  the  other  districts,  which  we  shall  notice  in  the  same  manner 
as  heretofore,  as  our  limits  will  not  permit  otherwise. 

The  first  that  will  claim  our  attention  will  be  the  principal  volcanic  rocks, 
and  among  these  the  basaltic  rocks  will  find  the  first  place.  It  has  been 
observed  that  the  northern  and  primary  districts  contained  these  rocks,  and 
it  must  now  be  noticed  that  the  southern  section  contain  them  in  a  preeminent 
degree,  compared  to  either  of  the  others.  Their  principal  northern  outcrop 
commences  near  the  sources  of  the  Mokelmnne,  and  extend  almost  uninter- 
rupted for  seventy  or  eighty  miles  south,  having  a  mean  breadth  of  ten  to 
fifteen  miles,  and  frequently  extending  much  farther  to  the  west,  even  to  the 
foot-hills  in  some  cases.  The  hills  on  the  borders  of  the  valley  west  of  the 
Bear  Mountains,  Calaveras  County,  furnish  an  instance. 

These  rocks  are  well  developed  about  the  region  of  Bear  Valley,  Maripo- 
sa  County,  on  the  ridge  to  the  east  of  this  locality.  At  this  place  they 
may  be  found  in  several  of  the  forms  they  assume, — as  the  dolorite  am- 
dygdaloid,  columnar  basalt  and  greenstone. 

The  effects  of  such  large  masses  of  volcanic  rocks  on  the  sedimentary 
formations  through  which  they  have  protruded  has  been  great,  as  would 
naturally  suggest  itself,  and  we  find  many  of  those  formations  completely 
metamorphosed,  as  might  be  anticipated.  The  rocks  are  entitled  to  consid- 
eration in  two  points,  particularly.  One  is  the  results  that  are  likely  to 
ensue  from  the  passage  of  these  rocks  through  the  sedimentary  formation, 
and  is  the  production  or  development  of  mineral  veins,  consisting,  most 
commonly,  of  the  metals  copper,  silver,  &c.  It  is  generally  true  that  these 


17 

are  raOst  abundant  in  the  older  system  of  rocks,  but  this  is  not  always  the 
ca^T 

J3y  close  examination  of  the  mining  districts  of  the  world,  our  best  geol- 
ogists have  announced  the  fact,  that  rich  metallic  districts  are  dependant  on 
the  proximity  of  igneous  rocks  and  axes  of  disturbance  among  sedimentary 
formations,  and  every  subsequent  observation  has  tended  to  confirm  this 
theory. 

On  comparing  metallic  accumulations  among,  the  igneous  rocks,  it  is 
found  they  are  most  abundant  in  the  underlying  porphyries,  amygdaloids 
and  trap  rock,  as  well  also  the  syenites.  This  condition,  and  the  probable 
value  of  these  rocks  as  a  future  source  of  wealth,  will  be  fully  compre- 
'  bended  when  we  observe  that  the  metalliferous  regions  of  the  Andes  are  of 
this  same  character,  and  the  outbursts  of  trap  through  its  tertiary  forma- 
tions., are  but  a  simple  illustration  of  the  condition  of  our  own. 

The  second  point  of  general  importance,  in  relation  to  these  rocks,  is 
their  value  in  modifying,  from  their  composition,  other  earths  with  which 
they  may  be  combined.  Too  much  importance  cannot  be  attached  to  this 
point,  for  it  is  through  this  agency  that  a  large  portion  of  our  soil  is  ren- 
dered valuable  for  agriculture,  and  I  hope  I  may  not  be  charged  with  sec- 
tional feeling  when  I  say,  that  in  this  lies  one  of  the  grand  secrets  of  the 
superiority  of  the  bottoms  of  the  southern  sections,  coupled  with  the  debris 
of  the  calcareous  formations  which  also  lie  to  the  east  of  these  valleys. 

The  next  important  volcanic  products  that  will  claim  our  attention  is  the 
large  extent  of  volcanic  tufa  that  covers  superficially  an  extensive  area  of 
country  in  its  aggregate. 

This  tufaceous  deposit  becomes  most  fully  defined  as  an  overflowing  mass 
on  the  ridge  that  forms  the  south  bank  of  the  Mokelumne,  and  is  found  in 
nearly  all  the  districts  to  the  east  and  south  as  far  as  the  Stanislaus.  It 
was  very  properly  denominated  a  volcanic  brecia  by  Mr.  Tyson,  on  the  first 
named  ridge,  though  in  other  sections  it  loses  this  character.  This  deposit 
covers  the  diluvial  drift  in  many  places,  as  well  also  the  large  mammalian 
remains  that  have  been  exhumed  within  the  last  two  years.  It  is  interest- 
ing and  important,  as  it  points  to  volcanic  action  at  a  comparatively  recent 
date. 

Since  its  deposit,  strong  floods  have  operated  in  these  sections,  (which 
were  probably  pent  up  waters,  forming  lakes  in  the  interior,)  as  the  out- 
liers of  the  surrounding  hills  fully  indicate,  as  well  also  as  the  extensive 
table-lands  that  formed  its  shores.  The  towns  of  Vallecito,  Murphy's, 
Douglass'  Flat,  and  the  vicinity  of  Sonora,  furnish  most  admirable  examples 
of  the  former  existence  of  lakes  in  these  sections.  This  tufa  overlies  the 
drift  that  contains  the  auriferous  deposit  of  these  placers,  to  the  depth,  in 
some  cases,  of  one  hundred  feet,  and  even  greater. 

Primary  Lime-stone. — Notice  of  this  rock  has  been  deferred  until  this 
time,  from  the  fact  that  it  occupies  a  much  greater  area  in  the  southern 
sections.  Its  extent  may  be  said  to  be  included  between  the  American  and 
Merced  rivers,  and  following  a  line  deflected  but  a'  few  degrees  from  the 
parallelism  of  the  chain,  this  line  is  not  continuous,  but  is  broken  at  short 
intervals,  at  times  by  the  intrusions  of  volcanic  rocks,  at  others  being  cover- 
ed by  alluvion  in  common  with  the  covering  of  the  hills. 
3 


18 

Its  situation  appears  to  be  not  far  from  midway  between  the  foot-hills 
ami  summit  proper  of  the  range. 

This  suite  of  rocks  has  been  tapped  in  many  points,  and  a  highly  remune- 
rative business  is  now  conducted  in  preparing  lime  for  the  market,  and  its 
finer  qualities  for  ornamental  architecture.  This  formation  is  capable  of 
producing  varieties  of  marble  that  it  will  be  difficult  to  excel  from  almost 
any  part  of  the  world.  The  town  of  Volcano,  Calaveras  county,  affords  a 
•wide  field  for  operation  in  this  branch,  and  the  beauty  of  the  Ringgold  mar- 
ble requires  no  comment  at  this  time. 

There  are  many  other  places,  too  numerous  to  mention,  in  which  a  pro- 
fitable business  can  and  will  be  conducted  in  this  branch  of  industry.  Some 
portions  of  the  more  northern  sections  contain  this  rock  in  quantities  sufficient 
for  all  the  probable  prospective  wants  of  these  sections.  It  is  found  in  the 
Yubas,  near  the  Slate  range,  arid  on  the  Feather  River  near  the  Rich  Bar, 
and  Sucker  Ripple ;  and  also  in  other  localities  in  these  districts.  The  Sal- 
mon, and  other  streams  in  the  extreme  north,  also  furnish  it. 

The  southern  district  contains  also  a  very  recent  conglomerate,  the  dis- 
turbance of  which  was,  probably,  attributable  to  the  more  recent  convulsions 
that  have  been  in  action  in  these  sections.  It  possesses  but  little  interest, 
further  than  the  testimony  it  may  furnish,  in  a  scientific  view,  in  elucidating 
the  early  and  later  history  of  this  portion  of  the  continent ;  it  will,  therefore, 
be  dismissed  with  this  brief  allusion. 

Recent  Sandstone. — Between  the  Merced  and  Tuolumne  rivers  there  ex- 
ists a  bed  of  recent  sandstone,  which  is,  probably,  nearly  or  quite  cotempo- 
raneous  with  the  last  named  conglomerate.  This  formation  underlies  the 
principal  portion  of  the  ground  between  those  two  rivers  for  a  long  distance 
to  the  west,  hence  during  the  rainy  season  this  district  is  much  more  firm 
and  dry,  and  it  is  a  point  eagerly  sought  for  by  the  teamsters  at  this  season. 
and  for  the  most  obvious  of  reasons.  It  finds  a  place  in  this  report  more 
for  the  purpose  of  illustration,  than  otherwise,  and  also  as  a  recuperative 
agent  for  some  points  of  the  adjoining  districts,  to  be  spoken  of  under  the 
head  of  agriculture. 

In  review  of  the  subject  before  us,  we  find  that  there  are  evidences  of  at 
least  three  successive  periods  in  which  this  portion  of  the  continent  has  been 
involved,  the  three  periods  of  upheaval  being  interrupted  by  long  periods  of 
repose. 

In  the  second  upheaval  the  larger  portion  of  the  extreme  northern  district 
was  developed,  which  was,  probably,  nearly  contemporaneous  with  the  de- 
velopment of  the  south.  A  long  interval  of  equiescence  is  here  manifest, 
during  which  the  land  became  inhabited  by  mammals  of  varied  species. 

In  the  third,  we  find  that  these  species  were  obliterated,  and  their  remains 
lie  buried  beneath  the  evident  causes  of  their  destruction. 

Fourth.  The  granite  appears  to  have  been  the  first  of  the  volcanic  group, 
and  that  it  broke  through  the  slate.  The  other  trapean  rocks  appearing 
within  the  latter  part  of  the  first  period. 

Fifth.  The  older  granite  appears  disturbed  by  more  recent  rocks,  as 
well  ul  .0  as  by  more  ire-rut  granites  of  the  same  species.  In  this  particular 
the  granite  suite  resembles  the  Heidelberg,  presenting  three  distinct  veins 
of  different  ages. 


19 

Sixth.  The  serpentine  rocks — many  of  them  appear  to  have  been  cotem- 
pomneous  with  the  second  period  of  disturbance,  as  is  shown  by  their  cutting 
through  the  older  rocks. 

Seventh.  \Ve  are  led  to  infer  from  the  manner  in  which  the  trapean,  and 
other  volcanic  rocks,  have  forced  their  way  through  the  sedimentary  forma- 
tions, that  these  rocks  mus*  prove  metalliferous,  as  analogy  and  experience 
have  proved  in  other  parts  of  the  world.  Time  will  not  permit  to  discuss  the 
local  geology  of  the  State  in  a  separate  and  distinct  subject ;  it  will,  there- 
fore, be  considered  under  the  head  of  mining  resources,  which  we  shall  now 
attempt  to  elucidate. 


MIXING  RESOURCES. 

Under  this  head  will  be  included  all  those  branches  of  employment  within 
the  district  alluded  to,  as  well  also  as  those  which  must,  from  the  nature 
of  attendant  circumstances,  find  a  place  in  the  history  of  our  resources. 

First  in  order  will  be  the  mineral  lands,  or  those  which  contain  gold. 
These  will  be  divided  into  two  classes  :  First — Those  at  present  occupied  ; 
and  Second — Those  unoccupied,  and,  from  present  circumstances,  unavaila- 
ble. 

The  first  class  comprehends  ah1  those  lands  within  the  mountain  districts 
which  are  situated  on  the  rivers  and  higher  valleys,  also  in  the  ravines  and 
mountain  gorges  of  the  western  flank  of  the  range. 

The  range  that  they  occupy  through  the  country  may  be  approximately 
stated  to  be  not  far  from  fifty  miles  in  breadth  by  about  three  hundred  and 
fifty  in  length  ;  a  small  proportion  of  this,  however,  can  be  considered 
mining  ground — probably  about  one-third.  Within  the  mining  districts 
proper  there  are  large  quantities  of  land  which  are  known  to  contain  gold, 
and  in  quantities  sufficient  to  warrant  considerable  expenditure  of  capital 
for  the  purposes  of  mining  in  future.  These  lands  are  not,  at  the  present 
moment,  available,  from  the  want  of  that  necessary  agent,  water  ;  and  it 
remains  but  to  be  seen  that  capital  investments  in  hydraulic  operations 
in  this  country  is  a  safe  and  profitable  source  of  income,  and  the  unem- 
ployed moneys  of  the  Atlantic  States,  Europe,  and  our  own  State,  will 
seek  and  find  a  ready  market  in  the  various  branches  to  which  this  source 
of  profit  will  give  rise.  A  longer  period  than  the  present  year  will  not 
be  required  to  demonstrate  this  fact,  either  for  good  or  ill.  The  present 
year  will  be  productive  of  results  that  cannot  fail  to  convince  the  most 
incredulous  of  the  value  of  those  untouched  resources  of  which  it  has  been 
our  pride  to  boast,  and  in  the  full  consciousness  of  truth.  Nearly  all 
those  companies  that  are  at  present  in  but  partial  operation,  have  demon- 
strated the  utility  of  the  system  ;  and  from  what  we  have  already  seen, 
even  in  their  immature  state,  we  may  confidently  anticipate  what  the 
future  will  be,  when  those  operations  arrive  at  completion.  Should  they 
prove  of  one-half  the  value  they  now  promise,  the  area  within  the  mineral 
districts  proper  that  would  be  open  to  those  operations,  now  unemployed 
and  useless  from  the  want  of  water,  and  which  arc  known  to  contain  gold 
in  profitable  quantities,  will  nearly  equal  the  present  area  employed. 

It  will  require  then,  on  these  premises,  no  great  tension  of  the  imagina- 


20 

tion  to  discern,  that  within  the  next  two  years  our  mining  sections  must 
contain  a  population  full  one-half  greater  than  they  at  present  occupy. 
This  estimate  is  exclusive  of  those  discoveries  which  have  been  made  within 
the  last  six  months,  and  which  only  confirm  the  opinion  formerly  entertained, 
that  the  placers  existed  in  sections  remote  from  those  now  known.  These 
later  discoveries  are  situated  mostly  in  the  northern  district,  and  the  only 
obstacle  presented  to  their  profitable  occupancy  is  large  numbers  of  hostile 
Indians  in  these  vicinities,  particularly  in  and  about  the  regions  of  Pitt 
river  It  will  be  sufficient  to  state,  that  the  unoccupied  placers  within  the 
mineral  districts  proper  are  co-extensive  with  the  mineral  range  now  occu- 
pied. This  unoccupied  mineral  land  may  properly  be  divided  into  two  dis- 
tinct sections,  and  to  this  second  section  we  would  now  call  your  attention. 

SECOND    SECTION. 

This  district  of  county  is  situated  in  the  lower  foot-hills,  and  immediately 
on  the  eastern  edge  of  the  valley,  it  maintains  a  very  uniform  width  of 
about  four  miles,  and  is  almost  uninterrupted  throughout  the  principal  por- 
tion of  the  valley  district.  A  large  part  of  the  mineral  section  of  Sacra- 
mento County  is  a  true  example  of  these  sections,  though  the  principal 
range  alluded  to  is  a  short  distance  west  of  those  parts  in  which  mining 
operations  are  conducted  in  this  county  at  the  present  time. 

This  district  is  strongly  marked  throughout  its  entire  extent,  and  the 
transition  either  from  the  valley  or  mineral  district  proper  is  such  as  cannot 
fail  to  attract  the  attention  of  the  most  careless  traveller  in  passing  over  it. 
It  will  recur  to  the  mind  of  every  one  who  has  passed  from  the  rivers  to 
the  interior,  that  at  the  distance  of  some  twelve  or  fourteen  miles  from  the 
streams,  that  you  enter  very  suddenly  a  district  thickly  covered  with  annu- 
lar pebbles  of  quartz  ;  the  district  is  scarcely  less  than  two  miles  in  width 
in  any  part  of  it,  and  in  some  localities  much  wider.  On  reaching  the 
eastern  verge  of  the  valley,  the  transition  is  equally  sudden  as  in  the  first 
instance  ;  the  angular  pebbles  disappear,  and  a  few  round  pebbles,  mixed 
with  alluvion,  replace  them,  for  a  short  distance,  which  is  immediately  suc- 
ceeded by  the  outcrop  of  what  has  been  denominated  the  "  gravestone  " 
slate,  from  the  appearance  they  present  of  a  ruined  churchyard,  in  nearly 
all  the  lower  hills  on  the  eastern  edge  of  the  valley.  From  what  the  author 
has  seen  of  this  district,  I  feel  no  hesitancy  in  saying  that  it  must  in  a 
few  years  become  the  field  of  busy  and  extensive  mining ;  and  I  think  this 
opinion  will  meet  the  concurrence  of  those  persons  who  are  intimately  ac- 
quainted with  the  localities  named,  and  engaged  in  these  operations  at  the 
present  time  within  their  limits,  although  these  operations  arc  comparatively 
limited  at  present.  Rhodes'  Diggings,  Sacramento  County,  and  Ousley's 
Bar,  Yuba  County,  are  on  the  eastern  verge  of  this  range,  and  Neal's  Dig- 
gings, on  Butte  Creek,  Butte  County,  also,  and  to  those  who  are  acquainted 
with  these  localities  we  would  respectfully  submit  the  opinion  advanced. 

It  is  not  to  be  understood  that  this  section  of  country  will  prove  so  highly 
productive  in  a  short  space  of  time  as  the  more  superficial  and  richer  deposits 
of  the  interior  sections,  nor  can  it  be  with  any  degree  of  propriety  expected. 
But  as  a  compensatory  principle  they  will  possess  the  double  advantage  of 
beiug  much  more  accessible  and  yielding  a  lower  but  far  more  continued  re- 


21 

numeration  for  labor,  and  a  surer  prospect  of  success.  A  more  healthy  and 
stable  condition  of  the  mining  population  will  be  the  result  of  bringing  these 
lands  into  successful  operation  ;  a  desideratum  much  desired  in  this  country. 


QUARTZ  MIXIXG. 

This  subject  will  next  claim  our  attention,  and  our  brevity  on  the  subject 
will  be  found  in  our  limited  time. 

In  speaking  of  the  rocks  that  compose  our  mountains,  this  formation  was 
intentionally  omitted,  and  a  brief  description  of  this  group,  therefore,  will  be 
given  at  this  time.  The  quartz  formation  forms  an  important  point  in  the 
various  groups  that  abound  in  this  country  ;  not  so  much  in  proportion  of  its 
masses,  as  they  are  small  when  compared  with  almost  any  other  member  of 
the  plutonic  series.  The  comparative  range  of  country  which  they  pass 
through  cannot  be  considered  as  amounting  to  more  than  one  twelfth  (1-12) 
of  the  width  of  the  mountain  range.  The  area  that  it  occupies  is  also  very 
small,  compared  to  the  rocks  tley  pass  through,  being  composed  of  small 
veins  and  dikes,  cutting  other  formations,  both  igneous  and  sedimentary. 
The  largest  masses  of  the  rock  is  found  in  the  form  known  as  dikes,  which 
are  at  times  nearly  continuous  above  the  surface  for  miles,  in  other  cases  in- 
terrupted on  the  surface  at  short  distances.  The  largest  dike  ever  observed 
by  the  author  did  not  exceed  forty  yards  in  width,  while  the  principal  forma- 
tion adjacent,  and  through  which  it  passed,  was  nearly  as  many  miles.  It 
must  not  be  understood  by  this  that  the  amount  of  its  aggregate  is  trifling, 
except  in  a  comparative  view  to  other  formations,  for  its  veins  are  found  in 
most  of  the  other  rocks  of  the  country,  and  as  variable  in  size  as  in  numbers. 

The  rocks  throughout  the  country  present  many  and  distinct  phases.  On 
close  examination  they  are  found  to  be  a  disturbing  and  intrusive  rock,  while 
in  other  cases  a  feature  the  reverse  is  presented,  they  being  disturbed  by 
other  rocks  ;  and  still  another  feature  is  often  present,  and  frequently  in  the 
same  locality  ;  thus  it  is,  that  some  veins  appear  to  have  been  unaffected, 
while  adjacent  veins  are  much  disturbed  and  broken  down. 

With  these  premises  before  us,  it  would  seem  impossible  to  refer  the  en- 
tire group  to  one  period,  for  the  facts  presented  would  remain  unexplained, 
while  many  of  the  attendant  discrepancies  that  have  attached  themselves  to 
those  operations  which  have  resulted  in  loss  and  disappointment  to  the  ad- 
venturers in  this  branch  of  mining,  will  in  a  great  measure  be  found  refer- 
able to  these  probable  differences  in  the  ages  of  these  rocks. 

I  flatter  myself  that  this  opinion  will  be  sustained  ultimately,  if  not  at 
present,  by  the  community  at  large,  and  by  scientific  miners  of  other  coun- 
tries, as  well  as  by  subsequent  examinations  in  this  country. 

The  opinioii  that  all  metallic  veins  are  referable  to  one  age,  which  was 
formerly  entertained  in  England,  is  fast  losing  ground  before  the  march  of 
scientific  research,  and  the  practical  miners  of  this  country  now  study  the  re- 
lative age  of  the  formation,  and  form  their  estimates  of  its  value  very  much 
on  this  basis. 

It  is  found  that  there  are  eight  distinct  series  of  veins  in  some  of  the  min- 
ing districts  of  England,  and  that  these  veins  vary  in  value  according  to  their 
relative  age  and  position.  It  is  made  a  practical  point  of  examination  be- 


22 

fore  entering  on  mining  speculations  in  this  country,  to  ascertain  the  relative 
;j  metallic  vein  before  entering  in  the  enterprise  of  extensive  opera- 
tions.    We  would,  therefore,  surest  the  following  proposition  in  relation  to 
the  auriferous  veins  of  this  country. 

That  the  value  of  these  veins  will  be  found  in  the  relative  age  wldch 
they  maintain  to  the  rocks  with  ivldch  the//  are  found  ih  connection,  being 
modified  as  their  passage  is  found  to  be  through  igneous  or  sedimentary  rocks. 

This  suggestion  is  made,  in  the  hope  that  less  disappointment  may  be  ex- 
perienced by  those  who  seek  a  profitable  and  laudable  employment  in  those 
branches  of  industry,  and  also  to  check,  in  some  measure,  those  hasty  and 
inconsiderate  generalizations  that  once  promised  to  blast  the  most  brilliant 
prospects  of  the  State.  Two  years  since,  this  opinion  was  maintained  and 
also  made  public,  and  the  estimate  then  made  of  the  probable  fate  of  a  large 
portion  of  those  Avho  had  embarked  in  these  speculations  was  predicated,  in 
part,  on  these  grounds.  How  far  that  prognosis  has  proved  true,  the  pub- 
lic can  best  judge.  Another,  and  an  important  point  in  this  subject,  is  the 
association  of  the  metal  with  other  minerals  in  the  vein.  A  large  portion  of 
the  gold  in  these  veins  is  frequently  combined  with  other  minerals,  most  of 
which  are  of  a  compound  character — as  the  oxides  of  iron,  and  also  its  sul- 
phurets,  (pyrites)'! 

It  must  be  seen  then,  that  one  general  and  indiscriminate  treatment  of 
ores  must  not  only  prove  annoying  in  the  results  that  are  obtained,  but  highly 
disastrous  in  the  extraction  of  the  metal,  for  the  process  that  would  relieve 
the  metal  in  one  case,  would  .only  serve  to  fix  its  investing  matrix  more 
closely  in  the  other.  Hence  has  arisen  much  of  the  discredit  to  this  branch 
of  mining  and  pecuniary  losses.  This  has  been  sustained  from  the  neglect 
in  making  the  necessary  selections  of  ores  from  the  same  vein,  and  applying 
the  same  treatment  for  each  variety.  The  experience  in  this  branch  of  min- 
ing of  the  past  eighteen  months,  has  demonstrated  too  truly  and  sadly  that 
those  methods  heretofore  adopted  cannot  be  pursued  with  profit,  but  on  the 
contrary,  that  certain  loss  must  be  the  result  of  this  system,  too  hastily  en- 
tered upon,  and  too  thoughtlessly  pursued  in  whatever  branches  of  industry 
it  may  be  applied. 

But  from  the  failure  that  has  been  experienced  in  this  case,  it  would  be 
unjust  ever  to  infer  that  these  metallic  rocks  do  not  possess  the  equivalents 
of  wealth  chat  a  reasonable  estimate  has  plac3d  upon  them,  by  men  whose 
judgments  have  been  unbiassed  and  unswerved  by  the  over-heated  infatua- 
tion that  has  too  often  prevailed  here,  and  elsewhere,  in  relation  to  this  sub- 
ject. The  best  proofs  of  fast  returning  confidence  in  these  richest  of  our 
resources,  is  found  in  the  large  amounts  of  foreign  and  home  capital  that  is 
now  seeking  opportunity  of  investment  in  them,  showing  most  clearly,  that 
the  denouncements  that  have  been  piled  upon  them  were  based  upon  false 
premises,  and  are  so  considered  abroad.  In  addition  to  this,  a  local  demon- 
stration goes  to  support  this  position,  and  exerts  a  wide  spread  influence, 
which  serves  to  give  weight  to  the  above.  It  is  known  that  parties  who 
have  suffered  severe  losses  by  embarking  in  these  operations,  still  feel  con 
fident  of  success,  and  still  hold  those  veins,  feeling  fully  assured  of  their  real 
value,  although  with  their  present  means  they  are  unable  to  proceed  at  the 
present  time  with  success. 

There  are  but  few  of  these  veins  that  can  be  purchased  from  the  original 


23 

holders,  for  anything  like  moderate  prices,  and  those  that  are  in  second 
hands,  are  equally  firm.  No  true  barometer  of  public  opinion  can  be  found 
of  their  value  than  is  indicated  even  under  such  apparent!/  depressed  cir- 
cumstances. 

The  next  metal  that  will  engage  our  attention  is 


PLATINUM. 

This  metal  appears  as  widely  distributed  as  gold,  there  is  scarcely  a  sec- 
tion of  the  country,  in  which  gold  has  been  found,  but  that  this  metal  also 
has  been  discovered.  This  fact  would  lead  us  to  suppose,  that  from  the 
commercial  value  of  the  metal  in  its  crude  State,  being  about  one  half  that 
of  gold,  that  it  may  at  some  future  day  be  sought  for,  as  an  article  of  com- 
mercial export,  among  the  exhausted  placers  of  the  country.  It  is  to  be 
regretted  that  a  more  intimate  acquaintance  with  this  metal,  among  those 
engaged  in  the  mining  districts,  does  not  exist,  as  I  feel  fully  confident  that 
the  value  of  our  mines  would  be  enhanced  nearly  25  per  cent,  by  its  col- 
lection. 

A  description  of  the  metal  would  not  lead  to  its  detection,  as  it  is  so  fre- 
quently combined  with  other  minerals  that  closely  resemble  it,  and  would  be 
easily  overlooked.  We  shall,  therefore,  dismiss  it  by  noticing  the  localities 
where  it  has  been  observed. 

It  occurs  on  Salmon  river,  in  the  drift  that  contains  the  gold,  in  small 
round  grains  of  a  steel-grey  ;  also  on  the  South  Fork  of  the  Trinity  about 
eight  miles  from  its  junctions.  On  Butte  Creek,  near  Reeves'  Bar :  On 
Honcut  Creek,  imbedded  in  gold,  between  the  North  and  South  Forks,  and 
also  in  the  placers  between  there  and  Feather  river.  On  Canon  Creek  of 
Butte  County  ;  on  Middle  Fork  of  American  river ;  on  Calaveras  river  asso- 
ciated with  small  garnets  in  the  drift;  on' Wood's  Creek;  at  Gold  Flat, 
Nevada,  with  iridium  and  osmium,  and  small  crystals  of  rutile  at  the  bot- 
of  the  shafts. 

This  wide  dispersion  of  this  metal,  through  this  country,  would  indicate 
that  at  some  future  day  it  may  be  made  a  source  of  profit. 


SILVER. 

This  metal  has  been  found  in  several  of  the  mines  that  have  been  opened 
in  this  State,  all  of  them,  thus  far,  situated  in  the  southern  district.  It 
was  first  met  with  in  a  distinct  vein,  running  parallel  with  a  vein  of  gold, 
in  the  South  Carolina  mine,  at  Carson  Hill.  At  this  place  I  obtained  a  fine 
specimen.  I  was  informed  of  its  being  found  in  the  Old  Dominion  mine, 
beside  the  above,  and  north  of  it,  and  also  in  the  Relief  Mine,  south  of  it. 
The  New  York  Mining  Company,  on  the  opposite  side  of  the  river  at  :•! 
Hill,  was  the  next  i  i  which  it  made  its  appearance.  At  the  Chilean  Mine, 
two  miles  north  ( 'o'u  nbi.i,  it  occurs,  associated  with  copper  and'  gold  in 
quart/,  in  the  form  ;f  sulimuret ;  also  Frazer's  mine,  twelve  miles  east  of 
Sonora,  with  galena  and  zinc-blende  in  the  same  rock.  At  these  localities 
it  is  generally  disseminated  through  the  quartz. 


1M 

At  the  Washington  and  Georgia  mine,  Quarteburg,  in  Mariposa  County, 

I  observed  this  metal  in  the  form  of  ruby-blende  in  the  vein-stone  contain- 
ing the  gold,  and  when  the  metallic  gold  appeared,  it  was  a  little  lighter  in 
color  than  common  evidently7  from  a  slight  alloy  of  the  two  metals. 

This  metal  in  other  countries  has  proved  a  great  and  important  source  of 
wealth.  From  its  casual  occurrence  in  our  mines,  and  its  evident  tendency 
of  increase;  as  you  advance  south  from  the  Stanislaus,  there  is  just  reason 
to  hope  that  it  may,  in  this  country,  become  the  source  of  wealth  and  profit. 


COPPER. 

This  metal  is  much  more  widely  distributed  than  the  silver,  through  the 
western  flank  of  the  range.  Commencing  on  the  extreme  north,  it  is  found 
on  the  North  Fork  of  the  Trinity,  a  short  distance  from  its  confluence  with 
the  main  stream,  in  a  metallic  state,  in  crystals  and  masses.  The  vein  cuts 
both  sides  of  the  river,  but  its  entire  extent  is  not  known.  Vitreous  copper 
is  found  adjoining,  and  also  malachite.  It  occurs  on  both  the  Middle  and 
South  forks  of  Feather  river,  in  the  form  of  carbonate  ;  also  between  Xe- 
vada  and  Grass  Valley,  near  the  Half-way  House,  and  in  many  parts  of 
the  southern  mines.  I  cannot  speak  with  certainty  in  respect  to  the  ores 
of  this  metal  in  the  coast  range,  having  never  seen  them  ;  but  judging 
irom  the  character  of  the  ores  which  have  been  brought  from  there,  we 
feel  warranted  in  believing  that  it  exists  in  large  quantities,  but  subsequent 
exploration  must  alone  determine  this  point.  The  varieties  of  ore  which  we 
have  seen  from  these  sections,  are  of  that  character  that  would  make  their 
reduction  easy,  if  they  exist  in  sufficient  quantities  to  warrant  investment. 


CHROMIUM. 

I  would  invite  your  attention  particularly  to  the  ores  of  this  metal,  inas- 
much as  from  its  appearance  in  lajge  quantities  in  some  sections  of  the  State, 
and  the  extensive  distribution  of  the  serpentine  rocks  to  which  it  is  also  in- 
cident, we  may  expect,  with  a  great  degree  of  confidence,  that  it  will  be 
largely  developed  within  our  borders.  It  is  an  article  of  great  commercial 
importance  throughout  the  civilized  world.  Its  principal  use  in  the  arts,  is 
for  the  coloring  of  porcelain,  dyeing,  and  as  a  pigment.  The  fine  chrome 
yellow  so  highly  prized,  is  manufactured  from  this  mineral.  Nearly  all  the 
chrome  used  in  the  world,  is  produced  from  the  mines  of  the  United  States. 
The  Shetland  Isles  producing  the  next  largest  amount.  The  principle  local- 
ity, and  we  might  savncarlv  the  only  one  on  the  Atlantic  border  from  which 
this  mineral  is  derived,  is  at  the  Bare  Hills  near  Baltimore,  and  this  affords 
the  supply  of  the  world.  ' 

The  greatest  amount  that  can  be  obtained  from  all  sources  at  present 
known,  is  about  2000  tons,  though  the  market  would  consume  a  much  larger 
amount  could  it  be  obtained.  From  the  limited  supply  in  the  market,  the 
public  will,  at  no  distant  day,  be  directed  to  its  development  in  this  State. 
So  soon  as  cheap  and  rapid'  means  of  communication  is  obtained  with  the 
interior  of  the  State,  this  ore  will  probably  become  an  article  of  export  to  a 


25 

large  Extent,  to  China,  and  the  Atlantic  States,  and  England.  It  would  be 
unnecessary  to  make  it  an  article  of  export  even,  unless  its  reduction  would 
prove  too  expensive  in  this  State,  on  account  of  the  high  price  of  labor,  for 
ample  material  usually  exists  in  its  vicinity  for  this  purpose. 

The  high  prices  of  the  various  manufactures  from  this  mineral  cannot  fail 
to  attract  attention  to  its  further  development ;  and  I  feel  that  the  value  of 
the  mineral  will  be  sustained,  when  we  say,  that  its  market  price  in  the  state 
of  rough  ore,  will  equal  the  product  of  our  best  ores  of  gold  in  their  ave- 
rage, being  about  $80  per  ton.  It  has  maintained  this  price  very  uniformly 
for  a  number  of  years. 

This  mineral  is  found  in  veins  and  masses  running  through  serpentine 
rocks.  These  masses  are  often  large,  weighing  from  60  to  80  pounds,  and 
smaller,  and  generally  disseminated  through  the  rock  and  upon  its  surface. 

The  finest  specimens  the  author  has  ever  seen,  have  been  found  in  this 
country,  and  m  some  localities  in  large  quantities.  A  striking  feature  in 
the  country  that  abounds  in  this  mineral,  among  the  serpentine  formations, 
is  the  peculiar  bareness  of  the  immediate  district  compared  to  other  sur- 
rounding sections,  and  an  individual  once  observing  it,  would  scarcely  fail  to 
recognize  its  characteristics  even  at  a  considerable  distance. 

The  principle  localities  that  have  been  observed  as  abounding  in  this  min- 
eral, are  upon  Nelson  Creek  near  its  junction  with  Feather  river,  in  frag- 
mentary masses.  On  the  ridge,  between  the  North  and  Middle  Forks  of 
the  American,  in  small  fragments  ;  on  Bear  river  four  miles  above  Anson's 
Ferry  ;  in  the  Cayota  Diggins,  near  Nevada  ;  and  on  Deer  Creek,  two 
miles  below  the  City  of  Nevada. 

It  is  at  this  last  named  locality  that  its  attendant  peculiarities  may  be 
most  conveniently  studied.  It  occurs  here  in  large  amorphous  masses  of 
twenty  to  fifty  pounds  weight,  scattered, over  a  low  range  of  hills  of  some 
four  to  six  miles  in  extent.  The  mineral  would  be  easily  mistaken,  by  the 
passing  traveller,  for  large  fragments  of  some  of  the  darker  trap  rocks,  or 
dark  porphyries. 

It  is  very  dense,  and  possesses  a  semi-metallic  lustre.  Rolled  fragments 
are  often  found  of  considerable  weight  on  the  banks  of  the  creek  in  the 
vicinity.  My  attention  was  first  directed  to  this  mineral  by  Mr.  Henry  Prat- 
ten,  who  is  at  the  present  time  connected  with  the  Geological  State  Survey 
of  Illinois,  and  formerly  of  the  Minnesota  Survey,  by  the  United  States. 

In  what  follows,  relating  to  other  minerals  observed  in  my  tour  through 
the  country,  I  shall  confine  myself  to  the  principal  ores  only,  and  their  lo- 
calities, unassociated  with  their  different  varieties,  as  the  limits  of  this  re- 
port will  not  permit  of  more  elaborate  detail. 

Commencing  with  the  auriferous  group.  Among  the  auriferous  rocks  we 
find — 

Talc — at  Central  Company  Mine,  Marthenas  Creek. 
Chlorite — Volcano  Mine,  Middle  Fork,  American. 
Talc — Dry  Creek,  El  Dorado  County. 
Chlorite — Angels. 

Peroxide  Iron — Coyote  Mountains,  Sonora. 
Heavy  Spar — Armagosa  Mines,  Desert. 
Arsenical  Pyrites — head  of  Bear  river. 
4 


2G 


Argentiferous  Galena,  .  .     Frazer's. 

Zinc-Blende  and  Arsenic,  .  do. 

Sulphuret  Silver  and  Malachite,         ,     Columbia. 


MISCELLANEOUS. 


Marble,  white, 

do.      clouded, 

do.     variegated, 

do.     jet, 

do.      white, 

Oxide  of  Iron  and  gold,   . 
Arsenical  Pyrites,     . 
Foliated  Graphite, 
Marble,        . 

Arsenical  Pyrites  in  Argefite, 
"Vitreous  Copper, 
Silicate       do.r 
Carbonate  do., 
Franklinite,. 
Jasper, 

do., 
Carbonate  Copper,    . 

do.  do., 

Sienitic  Granite, 
Augite       do., 

do.         do., 
Scoria,   . 
Sienite, 

Peroxide  Iron,    . 
Peroxide  Manganese, 
Cinnabar,    . 

u 

Petrifactions, 


Lignite, 

Molybdenum, 

Fossil  Leaves,     .         '    . 

"     Lichens, 
Pitch  Stone, 

a  it 

Mammalian  Fossils^  teeth? 


RinggolcL 

do. 

do. 

do. 

Volcano. 
Frazer's. 

do. 

Amidor. 
Deer  Creek. 
Eagle  Hill. 
Carson's  Hill. 

do. 

Columbia. 
Stanislaus  River. 
Volcano. 
Talbot's  Hill. 
Round  Tent. 

Grass  Valley. 

a         a 

Anson's,  Bear  River. 
Auburn  Creek. 
Sugar  Loaf,  Nevada. 
Half-way  House. 
Deer  Creek. 
Deer  Creek. 

tl  it 

Yuba  River.. 
Talbot's  Hill. 
Nevada. 

American  River. 
West  Hill,  Nevada. 
Nevada. 


Wade's  Creek. 
Sugar  Loaf,  Nevada, 
Double  Springs. 
Sonora. 

Douglas's  Flat. 
Murphy's. 
Vine  Springs.. 


27 

Fossil  Shells,  Miocene,     .  ButteTCreek. 

"         "           "  .             .             .     Chico. 

Magnetic  Iron,  .             *           El  Dorado  and^Placer  Go's- 

Obsidian,     .  .                    "     .     Butte  County. 
Peperino, 

Emerald,      ,  Vallieita. 

Rock  Salt,         .  .             .             Near  Sonora. 

Ossiferous  Cavern  on  Wade's  Creek,  containing  human  bones,  teeth  of 
the  Wild  Boar,  and  other  animals.  There  are  other  caverns  of  considerable 
extent  in  the  calcareous  formations  of  the  State,  but  nothing  peculiar  was 
observed  in  them.  Those  visited,  were  Martin's  Cave,  Middle  Fork  Ameri- 
can River  ;  McKinney's,  and  Volcano,  in  Calaveras  County. 


MINERAL  SPRINGS. 

There  are  several  mineral  springs  scattered  through  the  country,  consist- 
ing mostly  of  Chalybeate  and  Sulphur ;  they  are  widely  dispersed — but*a 
few  of  them  will  be  noticed. 

Chalybeate  Spring,  upon  .,  ^     Destruction  River. 

"  "         "  -  North  Feather  do. 

"         "  .  "      Yuba,  English  Bar. 

Sulphur  Spring,  at  Jackson,  Calaveras  County. 

This  last  is  the  most  important  of  all,  and  to  be  found  in  any  quantity ;  it 
will  probably  become  a  place  of  resort  for  invalids  in  the  future,  as  its  waters 
are  powerfully  medicinal. 

Valleys  of  Sacramento  and  San  Joaquin.— ^-Before  noticing  the  probable 
capabilities  of  these  valleys  for  Agriculture,  so  far  as  can  be  inferred  from 
an  examination  of  the  rocks  on  their  eastern  and  western  borders,  we  will 
consider  the  probable  formations  that  under-lie  those  valleys. 

To  Mr.  Tyson  we  are  much  indebted  in  demonstrating  these  formations, 
and  his  opinions  are  entitled  to  our  confidence  in  this  particular,  as  his  ob- 
servations -in  other  parts  of  the  country  have  been  verified  by  different  scien- 
tific travellers. 

Of  its  agricultural  prospects,  he  said,  "  unless  ample  supplies  of  water 
can  be  elevated  to  the  surface,  it  can  never  obtain  much  importance  for 
purposes  of  agriculture." 

It  was,  therefore,  important  to  ascertain  whether  the  geological  structure 
beneath  would  warrant  the  expectation  of  bringing  water  above  the  surface 
by  means  of  Artesian  wells,  and  I  do  not  hesitate  to  say  it  does  most  strong- 
ly. "  Experience  has  demonstrated  the  almost  certainty  of  obtaining  water 
by  this  means  in  all  valleys  resting  on  sedimentary  formations,  and  having 
a  basin-shaped  stratification,  the  beds  of  which  are  not  too  compact  to  pre- 
vent the  passage  of  water  through  them,  or  between."  He  further  ob- 
serves :  "  That  these  indications  are  fulfilled  in  these  valleys,  and  that  we 
have  sufficient  evidence  that  the  beds  of  conglomerate,  sandstone  and  clay 


28 

that  dip  under  the  eastern  edge  of  the  valleys,  is  the  same  which  rise  from 
it  on  the  west." 

This  correct  and  lucid  description  of  the  structure  of  these  districts,  can- 
not but  lead  us  to  the  conclusion,  that  water,  in  quantities  sufficient  for  pur- 
nes  of  agriculture,  is  obtainable  from  these  .sources,  and  at  comparatively 
rates.    But  a  few  years  will  elapse  before  this  method  will  be  adopted  on 
an  extensive  scale.     It  needs  but  the  initiative  to  bring  this  mode  of  irriga- 
tion into  general  use,  and  it  will  soon  be  largely  employed. 

This  is  demonstrated  in  the  sinking  of  wells  in  the  city  of  San  Francisco ; 
notwithstanding  the  failure  of  the  first  experiment  in  that  city,  there  are  a 
large  number  of  these  wells  now  in  operation  and  others  contracted  for  ; 
and  if  proof  of  the  possibility  of  the  operation  is  requisite,  these  practical 
illustrations  we  think  are  sufficient,  beitfg  situated  as  they  are  in  a  district 
where  the  probabilities  of  success  were  much  less  flattering  than  any  part 
of  the  great  valleys  present.  The  adoption  of  this  method  of  supply  for 
this  needful  agent  in  the  arid  portions  of  the  valleys,  cannot  fail  to  increase 
the  resources  of  wealth  which  are  the  right  arms  of  national  prosperity  ; 
and  it  would  seem  then  to  become  a  question  of  economic  interest  with  the 
State  to  take  the  first  step  in  some  of  the  valley  counties,  or  in  a  more  in- 
direct manner  through  these  counties  to  demonstrate  its  practicability  in 
those  extensive  and  now  useless  districts  alluded  to.  The  benefits 'that 
would  result  to  the  community  from  its  success  must  prove  prodigious,  and 
its  expense  a  mere  trifle  compared  to  the  advantages. 

Should  this  suggestion  meet  with  your  approval,  the  author  would  venture 
to  propose  three  points  distant  from  each  other  on  which  the  experiment 
might  be  tried,  with  the  above  object  in  view,  and  which  would  sufficiently 
illustrate  the  practicability  of  the  system  for  all  parts  of  the  country. 

The  localities  best  suited  for  these  operations,  in  the  author's  opinion, 
would  be — 

First :  Near  the  line  of  Colusi  and  Yolo  Counties,  at  a  point  a  few  miles 
east  of  the  foot-hills  of  the  coast  range.  In  Sac.ramento  County,  midway 
between  the  American  and  Cosumnes  rivers,  at  a  point  five  miles  west  of  the 
valley  foot-hills  ;  and  in  Tuolumne  County,  on  the  same  range,  eight  or  ten 
miles  northwest  of  Jackson's  Ferry. 

This  last  named  point  is  one  of  considerable  importance,  as  a  recent  sand 
stone  formation  exists,  overlaying  the  older  rocks,  directly  below  which 
water  would  probably  be  found. 

The  localities  named  are  situated  in  the  more  arid  portions  of  the  valley 
districts,  and  are  therefore  selected. 


MODIFICATIONS  OF  SOIL  ON  THE  VALLEYS. 

The  capabilities  of  a  soil  for  production  in  agriculture  is  dependant,  in 
most  cases,  in  an  equal  or  proportionate  distribution  of  the  minerals  com- 
prising it,  and  an  excess  of  any  one  of  its  basic  ingredients  will  render  it 
unfit  for  these  purposes,  to  which  it  would  otherwise  be  well  adapted. 

On  page  15,  allusion  was  made  to  this  point  when  speaking  of  the  prepon- 
derance of  the  argelite  formations  and  of  the  influence  they  must  exert  from 


29 

the  large  amount  of  their  debris  heing  commingled  with  the  major  portions 
of  the  alluvial  of  the  valleys. 

Hence  it  follows  that  a  large  portion  of  the  lower  prairie  of  the  great 
valleys  contain  a  notable  and  even  disproportionate  amount  of  this  argilla- 
ceous ingredient,  the  natural  and  corrective  agent  of  which  is  the  sand  and 
sandstone  formations,  so  widely  distributed  in  most  parts  of  the  country. 

The  application  of  this  agent  as  a  subsoil,  or  its  mixture  with  the  heavy 
argillaceous  earths,  will  have  a  tendency  to  make  them  much  more  manage- 
able and  prolific.  It  is  well  understood  that  a  goodly  amount  of  lime  is  a 
most  necessary  ingredient  in  all  soils  in  which  wheat  is  to  be  raised,  the 
more  especially  if  followed  for  several  consecutive  years.  In  the  more 
northern  sections,  this  mineral  does  not  hold  so  important  a  place  as  a  distinct 
deposit  as  we  have  seen  it  to  be  in  the  southern  districts  ;  and  although  this 
cereal  may  flourish  well  at  this  time  at  the  north,  we  must  not  place  too 
implicit  confidence  in  the  capabilities  of  our  soils,  in  this  particular,  for  too 
long  a  period,  without  applying  artificially  the  necessary  calcareous  matter 
that  will  by  successive  sowing  become  exhausted. 

The  southern  district  will  not  suffer  in  this  particular  on  those  lands  that 
will  produce  this  grain,  from  the  fact  that  much  higher  amount  of  calctireous 
earth  is  commingled  with  the  alluvial  of  the  valleys,  and  the  formation  is 
much  more  extensively  developed  in  these  sections. 

In  addition  to  this,  the  disintegrated  sandstone  of  a  large  portion  of  the 
lower  part  of  the  rivers  that  flow  through  these  sections  is  calcareous,  so 
much  so  as  to  effervesce  with  dilute  acids.  This  sand  and  sandstone  will  be 
used  for  purposes  of  reclamation  on  the  heavy  argillaceous  earths  incident  to 
this  district,  as  well  as  in  the  northern  sections ;  and  its  closer  proximity  to 
the  localities  in  which  it  will  be  needed,  will  render  it  more  valuable. 

This  sandstone  is  of  the  same  age  as  that  in  the  vicinity  of  Benicia  and 
the  shores  of  Carquinez  'Straits,  and  adjoining  bays  ;  and  if  required,  is  well 
adapted  for  building  purposes  in  those  sections  ;  and  like  the  Benicia  stone, 
it  possesses  the  property  of  becoming  more  compact  on  exposure  to  atmo- 
spheric action. 

The  most  convenient  locality  for  obtaining  this  stone  for  any  purpose  that 
may  be  required,  is  about  ten  miles  above  Jackson's  Ferry,  on  the  Tuolumne 
road.  At  this  place  it  joins  the  banks  of  the  river,  in  bluffs  full  one  hundred 
feet  in  height,  which  are  perpendicular. 

Formation  of  the  Valley  of  the  Sacramento. — Many  and  diversified 
opinions  have  been  entertained  relative  to  the  formation  of  tins  section  of 
the  State,  and  it  may  yet  be  considered  a  questionable  point,  in  some  par- 
ticulars, as  to  the  causes  which  were  productive  of  this  result.  The 
lake  and  river  theory  has  its  advocates,  while  others,  and  with  more 
consistency,  adopt  the  doctrine  of  gradual  elevation  from  subterranean 
forces.  In  viewing  the  present  portion  of  the  valley  and  .the  sedimentary 
rocks  that  form  its  border,  and  the  extensive  area  they  occupy  in  the 
State,  it  appears  conclusive  th?.t  other  agents  than  those  of  water  must 
have  played  an  important  part  in  giving  to  the  section  its  present  charac- 
ter and  appearance. 

Were  there  no  other  portions  of  the  country  involved  in  this  question 
than  the  upper  and  lower  prairies  of  the  valleys  proper,  the  doctrines  of 


30 

aquoous  denudation  might  perhaps  be  sufficient  to  explain  their  present 
features  in  some  degree. 

An  insuperable  objection  is  offered  to  the  lake  and  river  theory  in  the 
formation  of  these  valleys  in  the  terraced  form  they  present,  from  this  fact : 
they  must  suppose  a  sudden  aud  an  abrupt  elevation  in  the  first  place, 
to  Conn  the  necessary  lake  ;  and  in  the  second  case,  the  contained  waters 
should  be  moving  or  running  waters  in  ordet  to  accommodate  the  neces- 
sary amount  of  alluvial,  of  which  the  valleys  are  composed. 

Two  conditions,  as  we  see,  that  are  inconsistent  with  each  other,  from 
the  nature  of  the  circumstances. 

•  "And  how  long,"  asks  Mr.  Dana,  "would  such  lakes  exist  after  an 
elevation,?  " 

If  the  violence  of  the  elevation  did  not  open  for  them  a  passage,  the 
accumulation  of  water  during  a  single  flood  would  break  a  passage 
through  such  a  barrier  as  the  soft  sandstone  at  the  mouths  of  the  Sacra- 
mento presents. 

The  inconsistency  then  of  this  supposition  will  be  apparent,  were  there 
no  objections  of  a  different  nature,  present.  The  barrier  theory  must 
have  acted  in  such  a  manner  as  to  have  inclined  the  strata  of  the  sedi- 
mentary rocks  in  this  vicinity  at  a  very  considerable  angle,  had  it  oc- 
curred, this  being  the  result  of  forces  from  beneath  ;  and  as  we  find  that 
these  formations  are  but  very  slightly  disturbed  or  changed  in  their  char- 
acters, we  are  not  warranted  in  adopting  this  position,  as  an  examination 
of  raised  beaches  within  five  hundred  yards  of  this  capital  will  illus 
trate.* 

The  terraced  form  of  the  great  valleys  then  are  attributable  to  those 
causes  which  have  been  so  clearly  demonstrated  by  Mr.  Dana,  as  having 
arisen  from  the  process  of  gradual  elevation  by  forces  from  beneath  the 
surtace,  and  which  have  raised  the  country  some  fifteen  hundred  feet 
since  the  tertiary  epoch. 

A  careful  examination  will  convince  us  that  these  forces  are  still  in 
activity  within  the  limits  of  this  State,  as  recent  examples  have  been 
presented  in  the  last  few  months. 

With  this  brief  sketch  of  the  general  characteristics  of  the  Geology 
of  the  State,  and  the  short  time  allotted  for  the  preparation  of  this,  be- 
ing but  a  few  days,  I  hope  will  be  sufficient  excuse  for  its  brevity. 
Did  the  time  permit,  a  more  elaborate  detail  would  have  been  made, 
and  which,  at  some  future  day,  I  hope  I  may  be  able 'to  furnish, 
when  the  explorations  now  commenced  shall  have  been  completed. 

Hoping  the  report  may  meet  your  approval  and  anticipations. 
I  subscribe  myself,  yours,  &c. 

JOHN  B.  TRASIL 

To  J.  R.  SNYDER, 

Chairman  of  Committee  on  the  Geology  of  the  State. 

*  Since  the  above  was  written,  I  learn  that  Mr.  J.  Sheldon  lias  in  his  possession  fossil  var- 
tebrata  aud  crustacea  from  this  formation,  which  wiLl  be  furnished  at  au  early  day. 


QE 


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